Mazda 3 review

The SkyActiv platform used in the 3 features more high and ultra-high-strength steel, offering greater strength and less weight

Bi-xenon headlights are fitted to SE-L spec cars, complete with LED running lights

New SkyActiv platform-based Mazda 3 is offered in both hatchback and 'fastback' body styles

Roof spoiler will contribute to aerodynamic efficiency, which is good

Twin exhaust pipes might look a bit ostentatious on a conventional hatchback, but the 3 pulls them off well

SE and SE-L models come with these 16-inch alloys and 205/60 tyres; Sport models get 18s

The driving position isn't particularly low or sporting, but occupant space and control ergonomics are good

The overall ambience is a little bit drab, though

Sat-nav system is pretty decent but voice recognition is still poor

Rotary controller allows you to navigate the media system's functions

Cruise control is standard on SE-L models

Six-speed transmission sends power to the front wheels; a six-speed petrol automatic is available

There's a generous amount of room in the back, but it's a little uninspiring

The depth and width of the hatch's boot is up there with class leaders, but a lower roof means the overall volume is a bit mean

The Mazda's four-cylinder engines are mounted transversely and drive the front wheels only

In the case of the diesel, a low compression ratio means the engine doesn't have to be as strong or, therefore, as heavy

The 3 grips and steers well despite its relatively tall, narrow tyres

It's very stable when you're braking hard

A progressive throttle and good engine responses allow you to get out of corners quickly and efficienctly

A fine-handling, big-hitting hatch, but still not as complete as a Golf

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For Mazda, the prologue is over. As important and credible as they undoubtedly are, both the CX-5 and the 6 were warm-up acts for this: the new, SkyActiv-generation Mazda 3.

This is the Japanese car maker’s great white hope to win back the market share it has haemorrhaged over the past five years, in the wake of Lehman Brothers, the global financial crisis and the terrible disasters that have befallen Japan and its car industry.

'Fastback' and five-door hatch variants are offered, the former being slightly more aerodynamic

While Mazda has enjoyed better fortunes elsewhere, its European market share has shrunk by almost 50 per cent from a high of over 320,000 units in 2008 and 2009, down to just 180,000 in 2012. It's into that context that this third-generation 3 arrives.

We might think of it as only the second full generation of the car, however, because the so-called second-gen car was in fact a heavy facelift of the 2003 original, and used the same Ford platform. Prior to the 3, Mazda's compact hatchback was the 323.

To Europeans, this is Mazda’s entrant in the biggest market segment of all, and its shadow is equally large elsewhere. One in every three Mazdas sold anywhere on the planet at the moment is a 3.

So this car will be the acid test of the firm’s bold new product revolution. More than any other model, the 3’s competitiveness will determine exactly how quick and transformative the company’s recovery will be.

Quite the yolk for a five-door family hatchback. The Mazda 3 meets the challenge, as we’ll go on to explain, with practicality, efficiency, value, style and the latest multimedia technology on its side, along with Mazda’s usual generous helping of bang for your buck.